I had the honor of sharing the stage with some incredible women of God this last Mother’s Day at Grace. My message focused on our identity and how we can live out our lives with boldness and confidence in who God says we are.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you're in conversation, and you find your yourself being much more open and vulnerable than you're used to? My immediate reaction is usually riddled with fear and thoughts of "What if they don't understand?", "What if they think I'm weird?", "Did that even make sense to them?". But then my discomfort is usually met with two words that melt every bit of anxiousness that has welled up in my heart... "me too". Those sweet words have torn down walls, applied healing ointment to open wounds, shone a light on past scars, and fed my spirit in ways I can't begin to explain.

There's something really beautiful about knowing we're not the only ones; we're not alone. And to be able to admit that you too have been hurt, struggled, failed, fought through, or still feel certain ways, requires great strength. But, when used properly, those two words wield power and might that could only come from our Heavenly Father. They put to use our stories, and shine glory on all our Father has done, while bringing comfort and camaraderie to our sisters.

And yet, it can still be so difficult to say sometimes. Because it requires a level of transparency that many aren't used to or comfortable with. Why is it that we feel the need to show our perfected selves, when it's truly the imperfect that connects us? I've rarely had a conversation with someone that changed my life and perception because of how perfect I thought their life was. I have however had life changing conversations with those who bared their brokenness, and exposed their flaws in a way that resounded with "me too".

While I love a beautifully crafted piece, a perfectly edited photograph, or an eloquently written post, I will be the first to admit that what you see is the 1 out of the 100. That is to say, for every perfect photo you see, there's 99 you don't. For every 1 highlight of my life I share, there are still 99 that aren't so great. And so we must not allow our perception of people to dictate the picture we paint of ourselves. We need more "me too's".

You're not the only one going through what you're going through. You're not the only one facing a decision. You're not the only one who has gotten that doctor's report. You're not the only one who needs an answer from God. You're not the only one who's screwed up. You're not the only one with a past. You're not the only one who struggles with that. You're not the only one who has been hurt. You're not the only one. And knowing that should bring some level of relief, a peace that it has so much less to do with you, and so much more to do with the One who sees you in the midst of it all.

Romans 12:5 | We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

We belong to one another sweet sisters. We need each other! So next time, instead of pretending like you have it all together, try saying "me too", and see if your friendship doesn't deepen. See if God won't bring about healing in your own heart, as you seek to speak healing to your sister's. There's more that He has for us, but we have to dig a little bit deeper - deeper within ourselves - stretching and growing in places that may bring discomfort at first, but a whole new life to come.